The Outsiders

Chapter 7

Well, we're in Mississippi. I've never seen the Mississippi River before so Ryan said we would go see it. I smile as I see an exit sign say 'Mississippi River 5 miles' I point it out to Ryan and he chuckles. "You're too excited for this."

"Well I've never been to Mississippi before." I roll down the trucks window and rests my head on the door, watching the trees and plants go by in a blur. I sit criss-cross on the seat and I feel Ryan slide his hand onto my leg, I smile and blush some.

We pull into a parking lot by the river and I get out. My lips part a little as I take in the view. It's beautiful. "Wow.."

"It's great isn't it?" A guy I don't know walks up to me and I look at him smiling friendly. He has several tattoos on his right arm. He laughs and extends his hand to me. "I'm Cody."

I shake his hand still smiling. "Chris." Just then I feel an arm rest on top of my shoulders. "And I'm Ryan." The two boys shake hands and I can tell that Ryan is a little bit jealous. So cliché.

"Nice to meet the both of you." He eyes my up and down and smirks before continuing. "I'm one of the tour guides here. Would you like a tour?"

"No tha-"

"We'd love to have one." I cut Ryan off and nudge him in the ribs with my elbow some.

"Alright! Great!"

Ryan shoots me a look and I smile apologicly at him. Truth is, I really did want a tour, I've never been here before. Cody smiles and gestures for us to follow and we do. He gets in a boat and we follow suit, sitting down. He tells the person driving the boat to start it and go down the river. I can't help myself, I get up and sit on my knees looking out at everything.

I felt like a little kid walking into a candy store for the first time.

When I turned back around Cody was staring at me like he asked a question. "What?"

He laughs and runs his hand through his hair. "I said, how long are you staying?"

"Oh, I don't really know." I shrug and look around more.

The tour took about an hour, Cody showed us the best places to get food and the shopping centers. The captain of the boat pulled over to the sidewalk and I realized the boat tour was over. I reluctantly got out following Ryan. Cody went up ahead and I was about to follow when I felt Ryan grip my arm. "What is it?"

Ryan's lips are pressed into a firm line. "I don't trust him."

I sigh and roll my eyes. "You just met him, and chances are you're not gonna see him again."

Before he can respond I get out of his grip and walk over to Cody. "You wouldn't happen to know any good hotels here would you?"

"I might." He smirks and nods his head, "Yeah I know a few places."

He gives us the names of a few motels in the area and Ryan drives to one. We check in and go to our room. Like the last motel, there is only one bed, but there was a little fridge in this one.

I fell back on the bed with a groan and closed my eyes. I felt the bed sink beside me and I open my eyes looking up at Ryan. "Are you okay?"

He doesn't answer, instead he buries his hand in my hair and kisses me hard. My eyes widen but I accept the kiss, kissing him back. After a few moments he pulls back and rests his forehead against mine. "What was that?" I asked a little breathless.

"Just a way of me saying that you're mine." He kisses my head before getting up and going to the bathroom. I hear water running a few seconds later and lay my head back on the bed, my cheeks a shade of red. Wow. He's never kissed me like that.

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Later that night Ryan took me out to eat at McDonalds, nothing fancy I know but it was sweet. After we were done we drove back to the motel and went to our room. I took my shoes off and left them by the door. I took my day clothes off and took one of Ryan's shirts, putting it on. It was bigger than me and it went down to the middle part of my thigh. Ryan was already on the bed waiting for me. I laid down in front of him and felt him put his arm over me, I smiled and snuggled into him, feeling his warm embrace. He was mine and I was his. It was gonna stay that way forever.

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I wake up to Ryan shaking me. I groan and put the pillow over my head only to get it taken from me. "Wake up Chris, it's time for breakfast."

"You sound like my mom." I grumble but reluctantly sit up. Speaking of my mom I reach over and grab my phone. I pull up her contact and text her.

Me: Hey mom, I'm okay, I love you.

Mom: I love you too Christina. Be safe.

I put my phone back down and reach for an apple slice. "Good morning sunshine." Ryan smirks at me and I shot him a glare in return. I eat half the slice in one bite and chew thoughtfully before swallowing.

"Next time you try to wake me up early I will kill you." He chuckles and shakes his head. "You know, with that attitude it's just gonna happen more."

"I hate you." I lay back down and pull the blanket over my head. He pulls is off and gives me a big kiss on the cheek. "I love you too." Despite myself I giggle and rub my eyes. Ugh. I sit up again before grabbing another apple slice. I chew on it and when Ryan walks in front of me I kick him in the butt. He chuckles and ruffles my hair. "Hurry and get ready, bed head."

"Where are we even going?"

"You'll see."

Oh boy. I get out of bed and grab some shorts and one of his t-shirts. I slip the clothes on and start brushing out my hair. Ew, it's frizzy. I sigh and put it up in a messy bun. Next I walk to the bathroom and brush my teeth. I finish with that and walk back to the bed. I sit down and watch Ryan get ready cause why not? He turns and looks at me with that half-grin. "What?"

"I didn't say anything." He chuckles and finishes getting ready. "Are you ready to go?"

"Where exactly are we going?"

"Somewhere." He smirks and crosses over to me. I feel my cheeks burn as he hovers above me. "If you don't come on were gonna be late." He chuckles and walks out to the truck. I sigh and follow him but when I get outside my jaw drops. "Ryan! The sun isn't even out yet!"

"I know, come on, in the truck." I shake my head and start walking back to the room, only to have him pick me up and put me in the truck. "Ryan, it's too early." I grumble and lay my seat back, I take his jacket and use it as a blanket. He starts the truck and starts to drive to god knows where. He drives for about thirty minutes before he parks and shakes me again. "Chris you're gonna miss it."

"Miss what.." My words fall away as I look at the sight before me. "Woah..it's beautiful." The sun is rising in the distance making the clouds different colors. Ryan looks over at me and smiles. "Happy birthday, princess." He leans over and kisses the side of my head.

Okay, best morning ever.